Book details
Gaawin Gindaaswin Ndaawsii / I Am Not a Number (English and Ojibwa Edition)
Description
When eight-year-old Irene is removed from her First Nations family to live in a residential school she is confused, frightened, and terribly homesick. She tries to remember who she is and where she came from, despite the efforts of the nuns who are in charge at the school and who tell her that she is not to use her own name but instead use the number they have assigned to her. When she goes home for summer holidays, Irene's parents decide never to send her and her brothers away again. But where will they hide? And what will happen when her parents disobey the law? Based on the life of co-author Jenny Kay Dupuis' grandmother, I Am Not a Number is a hugely necessary book that brings a terrible part of Canada's history to light in a way that children can learn from and relate to.
Age
7-11
Text complexity
intermediate
Why to read
- Cultural Enlightenment: Reading 'Gaawin Gindaaswin Ndaawsii / I Am Not a Number' offers readers an important glimpse into the experiences of Indigenous people in Canada, particularly the impact of the residential school system on First Nations communities. Understanding such histories is crucial for fostering empathy and cultural sensitivity.
- Bilingual Experience: The book's unique presentation in both English and Ojibwa provides an opportunity for readers to engage with the Ojibwa language, promoting language preservation and appreciation for linguistic diversity.
- Educational Value: Dr. Jenny Kay Dupuis' narrative, based on her grandmother's experiences, serves as a valuable educational tool for both younger and older audiences to learn about a dark chapter in Canadian history, helping to ensure that the lessons of the past are not forgotten.
- Empowerment Through Storytelling: The book empowers Indigenous voices and perspectives by sharing authentic stories. This promotes a better understanding of the resilience of Indigenous communities and the importance of preserving and sharing their stories.